Fly-by-wire typewriter system

Abstract

A typewriter (TTY) system for a vehicle includes a display, a microphone coupled to the vehicle and configured to capture voice data, and an imager coupled to the vehicle and configured to detect image data. The TTY system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) communicatively coupled to the display, the microphone, and the imager. The ECU includes a TTY application and is configured to project the TTY application on the display in response to at least one of the voice data and the image data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a teletypewriter (TTY) system for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the background of the present disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the presently named inventors, and aspects of the description that may not qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art with respect to the present disclosure.

[0003] When customizing a vehicle, users typically need to manually adjust vehicle settings by accessing the vehicle's system settings. For example, accessibility settings are often located within the vehicle's audio settings, accessible by navigating from the home page or start menu. Some vehicles may also be equipped with connectivity for mobile devices. For example, users can connect a mobile device via a wired or wireless connection to display the device's features on the vehicle's display. However, regardless of the connection setup, the mobile device's settings typically remain separate from the vehicle.

[0004] In a ride-sharing scenario, a vehicle driver may have a mobile device connected to the vehicle, but a passenger may not. In this case, connecting the passenger's mobile device to the vehicle would allow the passenger to share information with the driver. However, to do so, the passenger must navigate to the vehicle's settings to establish a connection between the passenger's mobile device and the vehicle, which can be inconvenient during ride-sharing scenarios, which are typically limited in duration and not typically repeated. Therefore, there is a need for improved ease of activation of settings, which could be advantageous or useful for users who can use accessible settings in the vehicle and on their mobile devices. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In some aspects, a teletypewriter (TTY) system for a vehicle includes a display and an infotainment head unit (IHU) communicatively coupled to the display. The IHU includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to project a TTY application on the display, and the ECU includes data processing hardware and memory hardware storing a driver profile. The data processing hardware includes the TTY application and is configured to execute the TTY application in response to at least one of a detected audio device and a detected TTY setting from a user device.

[0006] In some examples, the TTY system may include a microphone communicatively coupled to the IHU and configured to capture voice data. The TTY application may be configured to execute a voice profile of a stored driver profile in response to the voice data. Optionally, the TTY system may include an imager that may be communicatively coupled to the IHU and configured to capture image data. The TTY application may be configured to prompt a notification in response to the captured image data. The TTY application may include accessibility settings and audio settings, and the notification may include at least one of the accessibility settings and the audio settings. In some configurations, the IHU may be coupled to a headrest of the vehicle. In other cases, the TTY application may include an auditory test, and the TTY application may be configured to perform the auditory test in response to a detected audio device. Optionally, the stored driver profile may include a digital key profile, and the TTY application may be configured to identify the digital key profile based on a detected digital key of the user device, and may be configured to adjust at least one of the audio settings and the accessibility settings based on the identified digital key profile.

[0007] In other aspects, a teletypewriter (TTY) system for a vehicle includes a display and a microphone coupled to the vehicle. The microphone is configured to capture voice data. The TTY system also includes an imager coupled to the vehicle. The imager is configured to detect image data. The TTY system also includes an infotainment head unit communicatively coupled to each of the display, the microphone, and the imager. The infotainment head unit includes an electronic control unit configured to project a TTY application on the display. The electronic control unit includes data processing hardware and memory hardware, and the data processing hardware includes the TTY application. The data processing hardware is configured to execute the TTY application in response to at least one of the voice data, the image data, and a detected TTY setting from a user device.

[0008] In some examples, the memory hardware may store a voice profile. The TTY application may be configured to identify the voice profile based on the voice data, and may be configured to perform accessibility settings based on the voice profile. Optionally, the TTY application may be configured to prompt a notification in response to detected image data. The TTY application may include accessibility settings and audio settings, and the notification includes at least one of the accessibility settings and the audio settings. In some cases, the infotainment host may be coupled to a headrest of the vehicle. In a further configuration, the TTY application may include an auditory test, and the TTY application may be configured to perform an auditory test in response to a detected audio device. Optionally, the memory hardware may store a digital key profile, and the TTY application may be configured to identify the digital key profile based on a detected digital key of the user device, and may be configured to adjust at least one of the audio settings and the accessibility settings based on the identified digital key profile.

[0009] In a further aspect, a teletypewriter (TTY) system for a vehicle includes a display, a microphone coupled to the vehicle and configured to capture voice data, and an imager coupled to the vehicle and configured to detect image data. The TTY system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) communicatively coupled to the display, the microphone, and the imager. The ECU includes a TTY application and is configured to project the TTY application on the display in response to at least one of the voice data and the image data.

[0010] In some examples, the ECU includes memory hardware that can store a voice profile. The TTY application can be configured to identify the voice profile based on the voice data, and can be configured to perform accessibility settings based on the voice profile. Optionally, the TTY application can be configured to prompt a notification in response to detected image data. The TTY application can include accessibility settings and audio settings, and the notification can include at least one of the accessibility settings and the audio settings. In some cases, the TTY application can include an auditory test, and the TTY application can be configured to perform the auditory test in response to a detected audio device. Optionally, the memory hardware can store a digital key profile, and the TTY application can be configured to identify the digital key profile based on a detected digital key of the user device, and can be configured to adjust at least one of the audio settings and the accessibility settings based on the identified digital key profile. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with a teletypewriter (TTY) application according to the present disclosure, with a user approaching the vehicle with a user device;

[0013] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of a TTY system according to the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 3 It is a partial perspective view of the vehicle's interior cabin, with the driver and passengers communicating through sign language;

[0015] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a TTY system communicating with a user device according to the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 5 is an example flow chart of a TTY system according to the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Another example flow chart of a TTY system;

[0018] Figure 7 is another example flow chart of a TTY system according to the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 8 is another example flow chart of a TTY system according to the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 9 is another example flow chart of a TTY system according to the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 10 is another example flow chart of a TTY system according to the present disclosure; and

[0022] Figure 11 is another example flow chart of a TTY system according to the present disclosure.

[0023] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that the example configurations can be implemented in many different forms, and that the specific details and exemplary configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] The terms used herein are merely for the purpose of describing specific exemplary configurations and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a", "an" and "the" may also be intended to include the plural form, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprise", "include", "contain" and "have" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the particular order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as an order of execution. Additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0026] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0027] The terms first, second, third, etc. can be used here to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish various elements, components, regions, layers or parts. Terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence unless the context clearly indicates. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or part, without departing from the teaching of the example configuration.

[0028] In this application, including the definitions below, the term module may be replaced by the term circuit. The term "module" may refer to or include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a portion thereof; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the functionality described; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0029] The term code used above may include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and / or objects. The term shared processor includes a single processor that executes some or all code from multiple modules. The term group processor includes a processor that executes some or all code from one or more modules in combination with additional processors. The term shared memory includes a single memory that stores some or all code from multiple modules. The term group memory includes memory that stores some or all code from one or more modules in combination with additional memory. The term memory may be a subset of the term computer-readable medium. The term computer-readable medium does not include transient electrical signals and electromagnetic signals that propagate through the medium and, therefore, may be considered tangible, non-transitory memory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory memory include tangible computer-readable media, including non-volatile memory, magnetic memory, and optical memory.

[0030] The apparatus and methods described herein may be implemented in part or in whole by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer programs include processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium. The computer programs may also include and / or rely on stored data.

[0031] A software application (i.e., a software resource) may refer to computer software that enables a computing device to perform tasks. In some examples, a software application may be referred to as an "application," "app," or "program." Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0032] Non-transitory memory can be a physical device used to temporarily or permanently store programs (e.g., sequences of instructions) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used for firmware, such as bootloaders). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase change memory (PCM), and disk or tape.

[0033] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages and / or assembly / machine languages. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., a disk, optical disk, memory, programmable logic device (PLD)) for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including machine-readable media that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0034] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be implemented in digital electronic and / or optical circuitry, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations can include implementation in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system comprising at least one programmable processor, which can be special purpose or general purpose, at least one input device, and at least one output device, coupled to receive data and instructions from a storage system and to send data and instructions to the storage system.

[0035] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors, also known as data processing hardware, which execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. These processes and logic flows can also be performed by dedicated logic circuits, such as FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays) or ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits). For example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Typically, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory, or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more storage devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include or be operably connected to one or more mass storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks, to receive data from or transfer data to the mass storage devices, or both. However, a computer need not have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and storage devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0036] To provide for interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented on a computer having a display device for displaying information to the user, such as a CRT (cathode ray tube), an LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or a touch screen, and optionally a keyboard and pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices may also be used to provide for interaction with the user; for example, feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user may be received in any form, including sound, voice, or tactile input. In addition, the computer may interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user; for example, by sending a web page to a web browser on a user's client device in response to a request received from the web browser.

[0037] Referring now to the figures, a teletypewriter (TTY) system 10 includes a user device 100, an audio device 102, and a vehicle 200 equipped with an infotainment head unit (IHU) 12. The IHU 12 includes an electronic control unit (ECU) 14 configured with a TTY application 16, as described herein. The ECU 14 is configured to project the TTY application 16 onto a display 202 of the vehicle 200, and the TTY application 16 is executed by data processing hardware 18 of the ECU 14. The ECU 14 also includes memory hardware 20 that communicates with the data processing hardware 18 and is configured to store operations performed by the data processing hardware 18. The memory hardware 20 also stores a driver profile 22, which includes a digital key profile 24, a sound profile 26, and a driver audio preference 28. As described herein, the digital key profile 24 stored on the memory hardware 20 can correspond to one or more user devices 100.

[0038] The TTY application 16 includes accessibility settings 30 and audio settings 32. For example, the accessibility settings 30 may include TTY functionality 30a. For example, the TTY functionality 30a may provide the user with the ability to communicate using text rather than speaking or listening. The accessibility and audio settings 30, 32 are configured to adjust the acoustic settings of the vehicle 200. The TTY application 16 is configured to issue a notification 34 in response to a detected user device 100, as described in greater detail below. The notification 34 may include an audio test 36 that can help the user adjust and / or set the accessibility settings 30. As described herein, the TTY application 16 may update the driver profile 22 in response to input to the IHU 12 and the audio test 36. Thus, the results of the audio test 36 may be stored within the driver profile 22 as part of the driver's audio preferences 28. In some examples, the TTY application 16 is configured to receive the TTY settings 104 from the user device 100 via short-range communication. For example, the IHU 12 and the user device 100 may each be configured with short-range communication to communicate with external devices. For example, the IHU 12 may communicate with the user device 100 via one or more short-range wireless communication protocols, including but not limited to Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, Low Frequency (LF), and Ultra-Wideband (UWB).

[0039] The audio device 102 may also communicate over short distances with one or both of the IHU 12 and the user device 100. In some examples, the audio device 102 may be a hearing aid, such as Figure 3As shown. However, the audio device 102 may include other audio devices used by the user for audio purposes, including but not limited to wireless or wired headphones. The user can utilize the audio device 102 to amplify or enhance the audio signal. The TTY system 10 is configured to selectively and automatically interconnect each of the IHU 12, the user device 100, and the audio device 102. For example, the TTY application 16 may be activated when the TTY system 10 detects the audio device 102, and may prompt and / or perform the hearing test 36 in response to the detected audio device 102. In some cases, the TTY application 16 may present the option of using the audio device 102 for audio output.

[0040] The user device 100 may be configured with TTY settings 104, which can be detected by the TTY application 16 when connected to the IHU 12. The user device 100 may connect to the IHU 12 via the media sharing application 106. The media sharing application 106 is typically configured to project media from the user device 100 onto a display 202 of the vehicle 200. The display 202 may be configured as part of the IHU 12. As a result of the connection from the media sharing application 106, the TTY application 16 may receive the TTY settings 104 of the user device 100. For example, a user may connect the user device 100 to the IHU 12 via the media sharing application 106, and the TTY settings 104 may be automatically uploaded or otherwise shared with the TTY application 16 of the IHU 12. Thus, the existing TTY settings 104 active on the user device 100 may be communicated with the TTY application 16. The TTY application 16 may utilize the media sharing application 106 to facilitate the transfer of the TTY settings 104.

[0041] The TTY application 16 may issue a notification 34 that includes an option to automatically adjust the accessibility settings 30 to match the TTY settings 104 received from the user device 100. If the user authorizes the option to merge the TTY settings 104, the TTY application 16 automatically updates the accessibility settings 30 and / or audio settings 32 to reflect the TTY settings 104 from the user device 100. Thus, the user can easily incorporate personalized TTY settings 104 without having to manually navigate to the accessibility settings 30 and / or audio settings 32 through the IHU 12. In other examples, the IHU 12 may detect the audio device 102, and the TTY application 16 may issue a notification 34 that includes a prompt to adjust the audio settings 32. For example, the TTY application 16 may adjust the audio settings 32 to project audio from the audio device 102 rather than the speaker system of the vehicle 200.

[0042] If the user confirms the option to play audio using the audio device 102 instead of the vehicle 200 speaker system, the TTY application 16 will execute and adjust the audio settings 32. In addition, the TTY application 16 may prompt a notification 34 recommending that the audio settings 32 be saved as part of the driver profile 22. A similar notification 34 may be issued when the TTY settings 104 are received from the user device 100. Updating or saving the accessibility settings 30 and audio settings 32 to the driver profile 22 simplifies the process in the future so that the TTY settings 104 can be automatically set for the user the next time they use it.

[0043] In some examples, the user can choose not to use the audio device 102 to project audio from the vehicle 200. In this example, the TTY application 16 can prompt the user to perform a hearing test 36. The hearing test 36 includes a series of audio signals and feedback prompts. The TTY application 16 uses feedback from the user via the feedback prompts to automatically adjust the audio settings 32. Although the speaker system of the vehicle 200 can be used to project the audio signal, the TTY application 16 can be used to sharpen and tune the audio signal to maximize the user experience. Optionally, the user can choose to forgo the hearing test 36 or can complete a portion of the hearing test 36. In any example, the TTY application 16 is configured to automatically adjust the audio settings 32 and can save the adjusted audio settings 32 to the corresponding driver profile 22.

[0044] refer to Figure 2-4 , the vehicle 200 may be equipped with an imager 204 that is communicatively coupled to the IHU 12. For example, the imager 204 may be Figure 3 202. However, the imager 204 may be located at any feasible location within the interior cabin 206 of the vehicle 200. The imager 204 is configured to capture and / or detect image data 208 within the vehicle 200 and communicate the image data 208 to the ECU 14 of the IHU 12. In response, the ECU 14 may activate the TTY application 16, which may be configured to prompt the notification 34 in response to the captured image data 208.

[0045] For example, Figure 3 Passengers of vehicle 200 are shown communicating using sign language. Imager 204 is configured to capture image data 208, including the use of sign language, and communicate image data 208 to TTY application 16. Based on the detected image data 208, TTY application 16 can automatically adjust accessibility settings 30 and / or audio settings 32. In some examples, in response to image data 208, TTY application 16 can issue a notification 34 asking the user whether to activate accessibility settings 30. As described above, the user can choose to activate accessibility settings 30 and / or can decline notification 34.

[0046] The TTY application 16 can also be configured to automatically prompt the user with a notification 34 asking whether the user would like to activate the accessibility settings 30 in response to the user's navigation pattern. For example, the IHU 12 can detect that the user is navigating towards the accessibility settings 30 and / or audio settings 32 of the IHU 12 on the display 202. In response, the TTY application 16 can issue a notification 34 asking whether the user would like to complete the aforementioned hearing test 36 instead of manually adjusting and tuning the settings 30, 32. If the user performs the hearing test 36, the TTY application 16 will automatically adjust the settings 30, 32 based on the results of the hearing test 36.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, a user can use a digital key 108 to enter a vehicle 200. The digital key 108 can be associated with a digital key profile 24 stored as part of the driver profile 22. Thus, the TTY application 16 can identify the driver profile 22 based on the digital key profile 24 and can automatically adjust the settings 30, 32 of the IHU 12 to correspond to any potential TTY settings 104. For example, a user can unlock the vehicle 200 using the digital key 108 on the user device 100, which alerts the TTY application 16 that the digital key profile 24 associated with the previously adjusted driver profile 22 is active. Consequently, if the user has previously completed any of the processes described herein with respect to the TTY application 16, the detection of the digital key profile 24 will trigger the TTY application 16 to execute the associated driver profile 22.

[0048] The vehicle 200 may also be equipped with a microphone 210 that is communicatively coupled to the IHU 12 and configured to capture voice data 212. For example, the microphone 210 may be located along the exterior of the vehicle 200. The voice data 212 is communicated to the ECU 14 and may be matched against the voice profile 26 of the driver profile 22. Thus, the ECU 14 may recognize the user based on the voice data 212. For example, the user may speak a predetermined phrase (e.g., "turn on the vehicle"), and the ECU 14 will receive the voice data 212 to determine the corresponding driver profile 22. In response, the TTY application 16 is configured to execute the voice profile 26 based on the voice data 212.

[0049] Similar to the detection of the digital key 108, the TTY application 16 can automatically adjust the settings 30, 32 based on the voice data 212. For example, the voice data 212 may include the voice biometric data 26a stored as part of the voice profile 26. The TTY application 16 can compare the voice data 212 with the voice biometric data 26a to determine whether the detected user has previously performed the process of customizing the settings 30, 32. If the driver profile 22 is recognized, the TTY application 16 automatically adjusts the settings 30, 32 to match the previously established settings. Thus, the voice biometric data 26a can facilitate the tasks of the digital key 108 and can provide an alternative modality for confirming the driver profile 22.

[0050] In some examples, the user device 100 can transmit the TTY settings 104 to the ECU 14 via a third-party account 40 stored as part of the driver profile 22. The third-party account 40 can correspond to a third-party server 300 in communication with the user device 100. For example, in order to perform various functions on the user device 100, the user can establish and store the third-party account 40 on the user device 100. When the user device 100 is connected to the IHU 12 and / or the ECU 14 detects the user device 100, the third-party account 40 can be recognized by the ECU 14 and stored as part of the corresponding driver profile 22. Once the third-party account 40 is stored in the driver profile 22, data associated with the third-party account 40 (including any TTY settings 104) can be transmitted and incorporated into the driver profile 22.

[0051] The third-party account 40 may be configured with routines 42 that may include TTY settings 104. Upon detecting the user device 100 and identifying the third-party account 40, the TTY application 16 may execute a routine 42 associated with the TTY settings 104. For example, the TTY application 16 may adjust the accessibility settings 30 in response to one of the routines 42 stored in the third-party account 40. Figure 2 , is described as being stored in the memory hardware 20 , but the third-party account 40 may be sent from the user device 100 first.

[0052] In some examples, routine 42 may be associated with a time of day that may affect external noise in vehicle 200. For example, during busier times of day, external noise may affect the audio signal within interior cabin 206 of vehicle 200. Accordingly, TTY application 16 may adjust audio settings 32 based on routine 42 and the time of day to balance the audio signal within interior cabin 206 relative to the external noise. In some cases, TTY application 16 may initially issue notification 34 in response to detecting routine 42 to prompt the user to select or ignore changes to either accessibility settings 30 and / or audio settings 32.

[0053] As described herein, the TTY application 16 is configured to automatically adjust the IHU 12 to include the TTY settings 104 received from the user device 100 and / or activate the driver audio preferences 28 based on the stored driver profile 22. In some examples, the vehicle 200 may be a rideshare vehicle 200, where the user of the user device 100 is a passenger in the new vehicle 200. In this example, the IHU 12 or a rear seat entertainment (RSE) monitor may be located on or connected to a rear surface 214 of a headrest 216 of the vehicle 200, and the user may connect the user device 100 to at least one of the headrest 216 or the display 202 on the vehicle IHU 12.

[0054] If the user is connected to the display 202 on the headrest 216, the TTY application 16 can receive any potential TTY settings 104 from the user device 100 in the manner described herein. For example, the TTY application 16 can utilize the media sharing application 106 to collect the TTY settings 104 of the user device 100. The rideshare vehicle 200 can also be equipped with an imager 204 that can detect the use of sign language between passengers, as described above. The detection of sign language can automatically prompt the TTY application 16 to issue a notification 34 on the passenger's display 202, asking the passenger if they would like to adjust the accessibility settings 30 and / or audio settings 32 of the IHU 12. Thus, the overall user experience for people with hearing disabilities in a rideshare situation can be improved. In addition, the driver of the rideshare vehicle 200 can have an improved ability to communicate with and understand the passengers.

[0055] Now refer to Figure 1-11 , which describes a series of example flow charts of TTY system 10 and incorporates the processes and options described herein. Figure 5 and 6 , the TTY system 10 detects the device at 600. In some examples, the TTY system 10 detects the user device 100 and then detects the TTY settings 104 at 602. The TTY system 10 then presents a notification 34 via the TTY application 16 at 604 to tune or otherwise adjust the accessibility settings 30 and the audio settings 32. In other examples, the TTY system 10 detects the audio device 102 at 606. In response, the TTY system 10, via the TTY application 16, presents an option to use the audio device 102 for audio output via the notification 34 at 608. The TTY system 10 then determines at 610 whether the user has selected to use the audio device 102 for audio output. If so, the TTY system 10 utilizes the audio device 102 for audio output at 612 and prompts the user to update the driver profile 22 at 614.

[0056] If the user does not choose to use the audio device 102, the TTY system 10 prompts the user to perform the hearing test 36 at 616. The TTY system 10 determines whether the user has completed the hearing test 36 at 618. If the user has not completed the hearing test 36, the IHU 12 returns to the home screen at 620. If the user has completed the hearing test 36, the TTY system 10 adjusts the acoustic settings of the interior cabin 206 at 622. The TTY system 10 then uses the adjusted acoustic settings to test audio playback for the user via the TTY application 16 at 624. The user can accept the new settings 30, 32 at 626. In other cases, the user can reject the settings 30, 32 at 628 and manually adjust or tune the settings 30, 32. Otherwise, the user can simply reject the settings 30, 32 at 630, and the IHU 12 returns to the home screen.

[0057] Now specific reference Figure 7 , which outlines another example flow chart for the TTY system 10. At 700, the TTY system detects a user based on the digital key 108. At 702, the TTY system 10 may also detect the user based on the voice data 212 and the voice profile 26. Additionally, the TTY system 10 may detect the user based on the third-party account 40 at 704. If the TTY system 10 detects the user based on the voice data 212, the TTY system 10 may identify and locate the voice data 212 at 706. Once the user has been detected by the TTY system 10, the TTY system 10 may enable the accessibility setting 30 at 708.

[0058] Now refer to Figure 8 , which outlines another example flow chart of the TTY system 10. At 800, the TTY system 10 determines that the user device 100 is connected to the IHU 12 via the media sharing application 106. Through the media sharing application 106, the TTY system 10 may detect the TTY settings 104 at 802. The TTY system 10 may prompt a notification 34 via the TTY application 16 at 804, which suggests adjusting the TTY application 16 based on the TTY settings 104.

[0059] refer to Figure 9At 900, the user may configure the IHU 12 to enable TTY functionality 30a. At 902, the TTY application 16 may be configured to search for a short-range wireless connection. In some examples, the imager 204 is activated at 904. The TTY system 10 may detect the user device 100 and / or audio device 102 of a second user or passenger at 906. In some cases, the TTY system 10 may detect the second user's use of sign language at 908. In response to the detected use of the user device 100, audio device 102, and / or sign language, the TTY system 10 may prompt the second user to share TTY settings 104 with the IHU 12. If accepted, the TTY application 16 is activated to adjust the settings 30 and 32.

[0060] Now refer to Figure 10 , imager 204 is activated at 1000 and detects sign language at 1002. In response, TTY system 10 may prompt notification 34 to activate TTY application 16 to adjust settings 30, 32. In some examples, TTY system 10 may detect an adjustment to accessibility settings 30 at 1006 and then prompt notification 34 at 1004.

[0061] Figure 11 Another example flow chart of the TTY system 10 is shown, in which the TTY system 10 detects input corresponding to accessibility settings 30 by the IHU 12 at 1100. In response, the TTY system 10 may activate the TTY application 16 at 1102. The TTY system 10 may also prompt for a hearing test 36 at 1104. The user may complete the hearing test 36 at 1106, and the TTY system 10 may adjust the settings 30, 32 at 1008. The TTY system 10 then tests the new settings 30, 32 at 1110. The user may accept the settings 30, 32 at 1112, or may reject the settings 30, 32 at 1114. If the user rejects the settings 30, 32, the user may manually adjust the settings 30, 32 at 1116, or may return to perform the hearing test 36 again.

[0062] A number of embodiments have been described. However, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

[0063] The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration even if not specifically shown or described. This can also be varied in a variety of ways. Such variations should not be considered a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A teletypewriter (TTY) system for a vehicle, the TTY system comprising: monitor; as well as An infotainment head unit (IHU) is communicatively coupled to the display and includes an electronic control unit (ECU), the electronic control unit configured to project a TTY application on the display, the ECU including data processing hardware and memory hardware storing a driver profile, the data processing hardware including the TTY application and configured to execute the TTY application in response to at least one of a detected audio device and a detected TTY setting from a user device.

2. The TTY system of claim 1 , further comprising a microphone communicatively coupled to the IHU and configured to capture voice data.

3. The TTY system according to claim 2, wherein: The memory hardware stores a voice profile, and the TTY application is configured to identify the voice profile based on the voice data and to perform accessibility settings based on the voice profile.

4. The TTY system of claim 1 , further comprising an imager communicatively coupled to the IHU and configured to capture image data, the TTY application configured to prompt a notification in response to the captured image data.

5. The TTY system according to claim 4, wherein: The TTY application includes accessibility settings and audio settings, and the notification includes at least one of the accessibility settings and the audio settings.

6. The TTY system according to claim 1, wherein: The IHU is coupled to a headrest of the vehicle.

7. The TTY system according to claim 1, wherein: The TTY application includes an audio test, the TTY application configured to perform the audio test in response to the detected audio device.

8. The TTY system according to claim 1, wherein: The stored driver profiles include the digital key profile.

9. The TTY system according to claim 8, wherein: The TTY application is configured to identify the digital key profile based on a detected digital key of the user device.

10. The TTY system according to claim 9, wherein: The TTY application is configured to adjust at least one of an audio setting and an accessibility setting based on the identified digital key profile.

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